Dean Seif, owner of CARSTAR Allstar Collision in Corona, CA, was named the 2019 Citizen of the Year by the CORONA Chamber of Commerce.
The local businessman and philanthropist was recognized Feb. 6 during an awards ceremony held at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona. This is the 109th year the chamber has recognized individuals and local businesses.
“I was absolutely honored to receive the Citizen of the Year award by the CORONA Chamber of Commerce,” said Seif, who has been involved with the chamber for the last 15 years. “I feel special.”
Bobby Spiegel, president and CEO of the CORONA chamber, said Seif has an excellent background in creating processes.
“To open a business, it takes more than financial stability; it takes planning, organization and determination,” said Spiegel. “Seif’s business runs very smoothly, and customers continually brag about the quality of customer service and workmanship, the fair pricing and excellent turnaround time for repairing their vehicles.”
With a background in aerospace engineering, Seif purchased Allstar Collision in 2005 and coined the phrase for the body shop: “The Kings of Wreck ‘N’ Roll.” Over the years, the business has grown nearly three-fold, and became part of the CARSTAR franchise in 2015.
“Since then, we’ve taken it to the next level,” he said. “CARSTAR has really been a huge resource for us.”
In addition to being a board member and past chairman for the CORONA chamber, Seif is the president of the board for the Corona Chamber Foundation, executive board member and treasurer of the Corona-Norco United Way, on the governing board of the Corona Regional Medical Center, and is a member of the Corona Rotary Club.
Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in numerous organizations and charitable causes. Spiegel said both Dean and his wife, Shannon, have huge hearts and love for the area.
During Seif’s tenure as the CORONA chamber’s chairman of the board in 2015, the chamber engaged the foundation to seek financial assistance for a young veteran who lost his legs when an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan ignited. Dean and Shannon donated a car to be raffled off to raise funds for the young man’s recovery efforts.
“Through this one effort, over $19,000 was raised,” said Spiegel. “Seif could have sold the car and collected the money for himself, but this is just one example of the giving heart he has.”
“I have known Dean for over 20 years,” said John Weyhgandt, owner of Western States Financial and the chamber’s 2018 chairman of the board. “When someone is in need, you can always count on him to step up and help. It’s who he is. Period. Citizen of the year, perfect.”
When asked about his philanthropic passions, Seif said, “It’s our social responsibility, especially as business owners; we have a responsibility to do what we can to help the community.”
After running the body shop for the past 15 years, Seif has noticed the impact of technology on the industry and stressed the importance of always being ahead of the curve. To stay up-to-date with new developments and technology, he regularly reads industry publications and attends events such as the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
Spiegel said Seif continually seeks to improve and work with other businesses---even competitors. Seif was one of only three recipients of California Chamber’s “Small Business Advocate of the Year” in 2017.
“He believes there is enough business for everyone, and he shares ‘tidbits’ and ‘nuggets’ that business owners and managers can put into place immediately and see instant results,” said Spiegel. “He truly is one-of-a-kind—a true American by choice, and tremendous friend to many.”
Stacey Phillips Ronak